Gazini Ganados says Emma Tiglao was among first to know about MGI All Stars plan

Gazini Ganados revealed that reigning Miss Grand International (MGI) Emma Tiglao was one of the first people she informed about her decision to join the pageant’s upcoming All Stars edition.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Sparkle star shared that she personally reached out to Emma before making the move public.

“Emma was one of the first person to know. I called her up. She was still in Italy that time. And I told her about my joining of Miss Grand All Stars. And she was so happy for me. Because ‘yun nga, magiging close ulit kami,” Gazini said.

The two queens go way back to Binibining Pilipinas 2019, where Gazini clinched the Miss Universe Philippines title while Emma was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental. Years later, Emma returned to pageantry and won Miss Grand International in 2025.

Beyond Emma’s encouragement, Gazini said she has also taken to heart the importance of preparation this time around.

“The only advice she gave me was to have fun, which is technically every advice that we give to other girls to compete in an international arena. What I appreciate the most is they emphasized staying grounded and to work smart this time, parang you have to work ahead of the competition. Because that's what I didn't get to do before,” Gazini said.

She also noted the physical demands of pageant life, echoing reminders to prioritize health and endurance.

“They just said just to have fun and to take care of yourself. Technically, drink lots of vitamins because paguran talaga. Long days and then, you sleep late, wake up early,” she said.

As for MGI’s bold, business-driven direction under its founder Nawat Itsaragrisil, Gazini expressed confidence in her ability to adjust.

“I am an adaptable person. Now that I am in showbiz, I've adjusted a lot of my personality. And with that, I can assure that I am willing to adapt to any rules that they have in MGI. And I respect every organization that I work with,” she said.

Gazini also pointed to Emma’s current success as motivation for her own journey.

“I think we can work naman because Emma is my close friend. Before, in Binibini, she was my Miss Intercontinental. And I see that she's really having fun. And if she can do it, who knows, maybe I can too,” she said.

Gazini finished as a Top 20 semifinalist in Miss Universe 2019 and won the Best National Costume award. 

Gazini joins fellow Philippine candidates Keylyn Trajano, Alexia Núñez, and Fuschia Anne Ravena, who will be competing for the crown.

The upcoming pageant is open to all women and trans women aged 20 to 40 who have previously competed in any international pageant. —JCB, GMA Integrated News